#LEED retrofit estimate

[asestimationsconsultants]

The Role of a Construction Estimating Service in Urban Redevelopment and Adaptive Reuse

Introduction: Breathing New Life into Old Structures

Urban redevelopment and adaptive reuse projects are reshaping city landscapes by revitalizing aging infrastructure and underused buildings. These projects are often more complex than new construction due to the need to evaluate existing conditions, comply with evolving regulations, and preserve historical features. A construction estimating service plays a critical role in providing cost clarity, identifying potential risks, and ensuring project feasibility from the outset.

Unique Cost Challenges of Urban Redevelopment

Unlike greenfield projects, urban redevelopment involves variables that are often hidden until construction begins. These may include outdated building systems, structural deficiencies, hazardous materials, or non-compliant layouts. A construction estimating service must thoroughly assess these unknowns during the preconstruction phase, allocating contingencies and documenting assumptions based on site investigations and historical data.

Detailed Scope Analysis and Phasing

Urban redevelopment often requires phased construction to manage occupancy, utility disruptions, or zoning limitations. For adaptive reuse, construction may need to occur while parts of the building remain operational. A construction estimating service helps plan each phase with precision, ensuring that logistics, sequencing, and access constraints are reflected in labor costs, equipment rentals, and schedule impacts.

Dealing with Historical Preservation Requirements

When adaptive reuse involves heritage buildings, compliance with historical preservation standards can increase costs significantly. Specialized materials, traditional construction techniques, and additional permits may be required. Estimators must understand these requirements and consult with preservation experts to ensure budgets are both realistic and sensitive to the historical integrity of the project.

Estimating for Environmental Remediation

Urban sites often have legacy environmental issues such as asbestos, lead paint, or contaminated soil. A construction estimating service collaborates with environmental consultants to price remediation efforts. These costs can be substantial, especially in older industrial or commercial buildings being converted into modern residential or mixed-use developments.

Integration of Modern Systems into Old Structures

Adaptive reuse demands retrofitting new mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and fire protection systems into outdated frameworks. This often requires custom solutions, selective demolition, or rerouting infrastructure. Estimators must account for higher labor costs and the challenges of fitting standardized systems into non-standard conditions, which can impact timelines and budgets.

Navigating Incentives and Funding Requirements

Urban redevelopment projects are frequently supported by government incentives such as tax credits, grants, or low-interest financing. Many of these incentives have cost-reporting or compliance requirements. A construction estimating service helps developers meet these criteria by providing detailed cost breakdowns and documentation that align with funding rules, particularly in affordable housing or sustainability-focused projects.

Supporting Sustainability and Resilience Goals

Many adaptive reuse projects aim for sustainability certifications like LEED or WELL. A construction estimating service assesses the cost impact of energy-efficient upgrades, low-emission materials, and improved building envelopes. In urban redevelopment, resilience against floods, heat, or seismic risks may also factor into estimates, especially in cities with updated codes to address climate change.

Managing Stakeholder Expectations

Redevelopment projects often face heightened scrutiny from communities, planners, and investors. A construction estimating service brings transparency to the cost implications of design decisions and regulatory mandates. Clear, itemized estimates support stakeholder buy-in, enabling informed decision-making throughout the project's lifecycle.

Technology and Site Intelligence Tools

To improve accuracy, estimators use tools like laser scanning, point cloud data, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to analyze existing conditions. These technologies help convert outdated or incomplete building documentation into reliable inputs for cost modeling, reducing the risk of major surprises during construction.

Conclusion: Turning Complexity into Opportunity

Urban redevelopment and adaptive reuse projects offer environmental, cultural, and economic benefits—but only if budgets are accurately planned. A construction estimating service serves as a strategic advisor, helping project teams navigate the complexity of existing structures, permitting hurdles, and historical constraints. With detailed cost insights and contingency planning, estimators transform redevelopment challenges into viable, forward-looking projects that reinvigorate cities and preserve architectural legacy.

[newspressx]

Hempcrete Market Size, Trends & Market Opportunities 2032

Global Hempcrete Market Overview The global hempcrete market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials. As of 2025, the market size is estimated to be valued at approximately USD 200 million, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 12-15% over the next 5 to 10 years. The rising awareness about carbon-neutral building solutions and the push for green architecture have substantially boosted hempcrete adoption. Hempcrete, a bio-composite made from hemp hurds and lime, offers excellent insulation, fire resistance, and moisture regulation, making it a preferred choice in modern construction. Technological advancements in hemp cultivation, processing methods, and composite formulations are enabling manufacturers to produce higher-quality hempcrete products. Furthermore, government incentives promoting sustainable construction and carbon footprint reduction are significant growth catalysts. The integration of hempcrete in residential, commercial, and industrial building projects across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific highlights the market's dynamic expansion. Additionally, the trend toward circular economy principles and green building certifications such as LEED is further propelling market penetration. Global Hempcrete Market Dynamics Drivers: The primary drivers include growing environmental concerns, stricter building regulations favoring sustainable materials, and rising consumer preference for natural insulation. Hempcrete's ability to sequester carbon during production and use positions it as a valuable tool in mitigating climate change impacts. Advances in cultivation techniques have lowered raw material costs, improving market accessibility. Restraints: Despite its advantages, the market faces challenges such as limited hemp farming regions, high initial installation costs, and lack of widespread awareness among architects and contractors. Regulatory complexities surrounding hemp cultivation, especially in emerging economies, also constrain market growth. Opportunities: Expanding applications beyond insulation to include structural wall panels and prefabricated hempcrete blocks open new avenues. Increasing investment in R&D for hemp-based composites and collaborations between agricultural and construction sectors present lucrative opportunities. The growing trend of retrofitting old buildings with sustainable materials also supports market expansion. Technology and Regulations: Innovations in hempcrete production, including the use of additives to enhance durability and fire resistance, are shaping the market. Favorable policies promoting renewable materials and subsidies for sustainable construction projects are crucial regulatory influences. Sustainability: Hempcrete’s low environmental impact and carbon-negative properties align well with global sustainability goals. This strengthens its positioning as a green building material, appealing to eco-conscious stakeholders and investors. Download Full PDF Sample Copy of Global Hempcrete Market Report @ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample?rid=443695&utm_source=PR-News&utm_medium=353 Global Hempcrete Market Trends and Innovations Recent trends in the hempcrete market emphasize bio-based composite innovations and modular construction solutions. Emerging technologies focus on enhancing hempcrete’s mechanical strength, water resistance, and thermal efficiency through novel binders and hemp fiber treatments. Collaborative ventures between hemp farmers, construction companies, and material scientists are accelerating product development and market adoption. Prefabricated hempcrete panels and blocks designed for quick assembly are gaining traction, reducing labor costs and construction time. Integration of digital tools like BIM (Building Information Modeling) is optimizing hempcrete-based design and construction workflows. Furthermore, the rise of smart building

materials incorporating hempcrete for improved indoor air quality and energy efficiency is an emerging innovation. Global Hempcrete Market Challenges and Solutions The hempcrete market faces several challenges including supply chain disruptions related to hemp raw material availability and seasonal farming cycles. Pricing pressures arise due to competition from conventional insulation materials like fiberglass and foam. Additionally, regulatory hurdles linked to hemp cultivation licensing and quality standards pose barriers to scale. Solutions to these challenges include diversification of hemp sourcing through global farming partnerships and adoption of sustainable farming practices to ensure year-round supply. Governmental support in harmonizing hemp-related regulations and introducing quality certification standards can alleviate market entry constraints. Investment in automated production technologies can reduce manufacturing costs and improve scalability. Educational campaigns targeting builders and developers will enhance market awareness and acceptance. Global Hempcrete Market Future Outlook The hempcrete market is poised for robust growth driven by increasing environmental regulations and the global shift toward sustainable construction practices. Future market expansion will be largely influenced by enhanced hemp cultivation infrastructure, technological advancements in hempcrete formulations, and supportive policy frameworks. The growing emphasis on carbon-neutral buildings and net-zero energy goals will accelerate demand. As green building standards tighten worldwide, hempcrete is expected to become a mainstream construction material. Collaboration across agriculture, construction, and government sectors will be critical in overcoming supply and regulatory challenges. Ultimately, the market is likely to witness increased penetration in emerging economies, expanded product applications, and higher consumer acceptance, reinforcing hempcrete's role in the future of eco-friendly construction. Key Players in the Global Hempcrete Market Global Hempcrete Market are renowned for their innovative approach, blending advanced technology with traditional expertise. Major players focus on high-quality production standards, often emphasizing sustainability and energy efficiency. These companies dominate both domestic and international markets through continuous product development, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge research. Leading manufacturers prioritize consumer demands and evolving trends, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Their competitive edge is often maintained through robust R&D investments and a strong focus on exporting premium products globally.   Schönthaler HempFlax La Chanvrière Sunstrand American Hemp American Lime Technology Hempcrete Natural Building Hemp Tech Global.   Get Discount On The Purchase Of This Report @ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ask-for-discount?rid=443695&utm_source=PR-News&utm_medium=353 Global Hempcrete Market Segments Analysis and Regional Economic Significance The Global Hempcrete Market is segmented based on key parameters such as product type, application, end-user, and geography. Product segmentation highlights diverse offerings catering to specific industry needs, while application-based segmentation emphasizes varied usage across sectors. End-user segmentation identifies target industries driving demand, including healthcare, manufacturing, and consumer goods. These segments collectively offer valuable insights into market dynamics, enabling businesses to tailor strategies, enhance market positioning, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The Global Hempcrete Market showcases significant regional diversity, with key markets spread across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Each region contributes uniquely, driven by factors such as technological advancements, resource availability, regulatory frameworks, and consumer demand.

By Product Type By End-User By Distribution Channel By Geography • North America• Europe• Asia Pacific• Latin America• Middle East and Africa For More Information or Query, Visit @ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/hempcrete-market/ About Us: Verified Market Research Verified Market Research is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ global clients. We provide advanced analytical research solutions while offering information-enriched research studies. We also offer insights into strategic and growth analyses and data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions. Our 250 Analysts and SMEs offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance using industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 25,000 high-impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise, and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research. Contact us: Mr. Edwyne Fernandes US: +1 (650)-781-4080 US Toll-Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 Website: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ Top Trending Reports https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ko/product/pigments-market/ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ko/product/pleated-filters-market/ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ko/product/drinkware-market/ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ko/product/nuclear-medicine-market/ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ko/product/global-glass-fiber-reinforced-concrete-market/

[allindustryforcastreports]

Global VAV Systems Market by Type, Application, and Zone Control | Outlook to 2033

What Is a VAV System?

A variable air volume (VAV) system is a type of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technology designed to regulate indoor air distribution by adjusting the volume of airflow based on the heating or cooling requirements of specific zones. Unlike Constant Air Volume (CAV) systems that maintain steady airflow and vary temperature, VAV systems deliver air at a constant temperature while varying the amount of air supplied.

VAV systems are known for improving energy efficiency, enhancing occupant comfort, reducing noise, and providing better humidity control. These systems are commonly used in commercial buildings, hospitals, educational institutions, and industrial facilities.

To buy the report, click on https://www.datamintelligence.com/buy-now-page?report=variable-air-volume-systems-market

Market Overview & Size

The global Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems market was valued at approximately USD 14–15 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 20 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of around 6.2%. Some estimates even forecast growth exceeding USD 38 billion by 2034, driven by rising adoption in smart and sustainable building projects.

Regional distribution of market share highlights the following trends:

North America leads the global market, particularly the U.S., which accounts for nearly 45% of the market share.

Europe follows with about 30%, with Germany, France, and the UK driving demand.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, supported by infrastructure development in countries like China, Japan, and India.The 

Middle East & Africa and Latin America are emerging markets with steady growth potential.To get a free sample report, click on https://www.datamintelligence.com/download-sample/variable-air-volume-systems-market

Market Drivers & Growth Opportunities

1. Energy Efficiency and Green Building Regulations

The implementation of green building codes and stringent energy-efficiency regulations across regions is a major driver for the adoption of VAV systems. Standards such as LEED, ASHRAE, and the EU’s EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive) mandate improved ventilation and energy optimization in commercial and institutional structures.

2. Smart Building Integration

Modern VAV systems are often equipped with intelligent controls that integrate seamlessly with building management systems (BMS). These smart integrations allow for automated air distribution adjustments based on occupancy, temperature, and humidity, reducing energy consumption and operational costs.

3. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Emphasis

Growing concerns about indoor air quality—especially in a post-pandemic context—are encouraging the use of HVAC systems that maintain optimal air circulation and ventilation. VAV systems are ideal for balancing ventilation demands with energy efficiency.

4. Renovation and Retrofit Projects

A large proportion of commercial buildings in Europe and North America are more than 20 years old and require HVAC upgrades. Retrofitting these buildings with energy-efficient VAV systems provides cost savings and ensures compliance with updated environmental regulations.

5. Urbanization and Smart Infrastructure Growth

Rapid urbanization in developing countries, coupled with rising demand for smart infrastructure, is leading to increased construction of energy-efficient commercial and institutional buildings, which in turn fuels demand for VAV systems.

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Key Market Trends in the U.S.

The United States is the largest market for VAV systems globally. This is due to:

Widespread implementation in commercial office buildings, hospitals, and schools.

Favorable government incentives for energy-efficient retrofits.

Technological advancements in smart HVAC components, such as wireless sensors and cloud-based controllers.

Rising focus on reducing operational expenses through automation and predictive maintenance.

Japan and Asia-Pacific Market Influence

In the Asia-Pacific region, Japan stands out for its innovation in HVAC design and its strong commitment to energy efficiency. Japanese developers are increasingly integrating VAV systems into both new and existing smart buildings.

Across Asia, the growing focus on smart city development is also bolstering VAV adoption. India and China are investing heavily in commercial real estate and high-rise buildings where these systems offer operational efficiency and comfort.

European Market Landscape

Europe represents a mature yet evolving market for VAV systems. Growth is driven by:

Energy-efficiency mandates across the EU.

A push toward zero-energy buildings.

Extensive retrofitting activities in aging public infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.

Germany, France, and the UK lead in technology adoption and building modernization programs that integrate advanced VAV systems.

Competitive Landscape

Leading players in the VAV systems market include:

Johnson Controls

Honeywell

Siemens

Trane Technologies

Daikin Industries

Ingersoll Rand

These companies are focused on product innovation, integration of AI and IoT technologies, and service-oriented HVAC models. Mergers and strategic collaborations are also common as firms look to expand their market presence and enhance technology offerings.

Challenges in the VAV Systems Market

Despite strong growth potential, the market faces some notable challenges:

High Initial Costs: VAV systems are more complex and expensive to install than traditional HVAC systems.

Skill Gaps: A shortage of skilled technicians for system design, installation, and maintenance can impact project timelines and quality.

Regulatory Differences: Varying building codes and HVAC standards across regions complicate product standardization.

Maintenance Requirements: Advanced control systems require ongoing calibration and monitoring, increasing long-term service demands.

Strategic Recommendations

Invest in Smart Tech: Manufacturers should focus on VAV systems with AI-powered controls, sensor integration, and cloud analytics to drive operational efficiency.

Promote Retrofit Solutions: Target aging buildings with cost-effective upgrade packages that highlight energy savings.

Expand in High-Growth Regions: Asia-Pacific offers immense growth potential through public-private infrastructure projects.

Enhance Training Programs: Equip HVAC professionals with skills to manage next-gen VAV technology and digital interfaces.

Build ESG-Ready Products: Emphasize low-emission, recyclable, and energy-saving features to meet sustainability goals.

Conclusion

The Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems market is poised for robust growth in the coming decade. Energy efficiency, indoor air quality, digital transformation, and green building certifications are driving widespread adoption across regions.

With innovation centered around smart controls, sustainable design, and user-centric features, VAV systems are becoming indispensable in modern HVAC applications. Companies that prioritize intelligence, interoperability, and efficiency will be best positioned to lead this dynamic market.

About Us

DataM Intelligence is a global market research and consulting firm specializing in high-growth industries including HVAC, building technologies, clean energy, healthcare, and smart infrastructure. Our in-depth reports, customized insights, and expert forecasts empower businesses to make informed, data-driven decisions.

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Phone: +1 877 441 4866

[forbiddenhoardtreasure]

Curtain Walls Market is driven by Energy Efficiency Demand

Curtain walls are non-load-bearing façade systems assembled from lightweight materials such as glass, aluminum, and steel. These architectural elements deliver aesthetic appeal and natural lighting while enhancing thermal insulation to reduce energy consumption in buildings. As part of green building strategies, curtain walls lower operational costs, improve occupant comfort, and meet rigorous sustainability standards. Both unitized and stick-built systems offer design flexibility to handle diverse climatic conditions and structural loads. The rising adoption of smart glazing technologies, including electrochromic and photovoltaic glass, provides dynamic solar control and further energy savings.

Prefabricated panels accelerate construction schedules and reduce on-site labor, addressing industry challenges of time and cost overruns. Market research and market insights underline that technological advancements in framing systems and sealants are improving durability and reducing maintenance costs over the building lifecycle. With urbanization driving the construction of commercial, residential, and institutional projects, the market size for innovative Curtain Walls Market­­­ solutions continues to expand globally.

The curtain walls market is estimated to be valued at USD 54.94 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 93.55 Bn by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% from 2025 to 2032. Key Takeaways Key players operating in the Curtain Walls Market are:

-AGC Inc.

-Central Glass Co. Ltd.

-EFCO Corporation

-EFP International B.V.

-Elicc Group

These market companies hold prominent market share through continuous market research and product innovation. AGC Inc. leads with advanced low-emissivity and heat-reflective glass solutions, while Central Glass Co. Ltd. focuses on large-format panels designed for earthquake-prone regions. EFCO Corporation offers modular aluminum framing systems that streamline installation, and EFP International B.V. integrates smart shading technologies. Elicc Group delivers end-to-end façade management services, from design through maintenance. Strategic collaborations and licensed technologies help these key players expand their industry share and reinforce competitive positioning. A recent market report notes their aggressive market growth strategies, including capacity expansions and digital marketing initiatives. As city skylines continue to evolve, growing demand for energy-efficient building envelopes is a critical market driver. Market trends show increased focus on LEED and BREEAM certifications, prompting developers to invest in high-performance curtain wall systems. The convergence of market insights and advanced building information modeling (BIM) tools optimizes façade design, enhancing thermal comfort and daylighting. Furthermore, stringent building codes addressing thermal performance and seismic resilience are catalyzing retrofit projects in mature markets. These market dynamics create opportunities for innovation and underline the sector’s potential to address global sustainability goals, supporting robust market growth. Moreover, demand for customization, glazing options, and integrated PV modules is creating new market opportunities for façade specialists.

‣ Get More Insights On: Curtain Walls Market­­­

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[ductusau]

Choosing the Right Pre Insulated Ducting Supplier: What to Know in 2025

When it comes to modern HVAC installations, efficiency, durability, and ease of maintenance are top priorities. One element that plays a crucial role in achieving these goals is pre insulated ducting. As construction and renovation projects continue to demand smarter solutions, finding a reliable pre insulated ducting supplier has become increasingly essential.

This article explores what to look for in a ducting supplier, why insulated ducting matters, and how it stacks up against traditional air ducting methods.

Why Pre Insulated Ducting Is Gaining Popularity

Unlike traditional metal ducting, pre insulated ducting combines a duct layer with thermal insulation and a protective jacket—all in one. This design minimizes thermal loss, reduces installation time, and enhances indoor air quality.

According to recent surveys from HVAC engineers, over 68% now prefer pre insulated ducting for commercial and high-end residential projects due to its reduced lifecycle cost and compliance with modern energy efficiency standards.

Qualities of a Reliable Pre Insulated Ducting Supplier

When selecting a supplier, it’s not just about product availability—it’s about reliability, standards, and long-term service.

Factors to Consider:

Product Certification Look for suppliers that offer materials complying with international standards such as ISO 9001, ASTM E84, and BS EN 13403.

Inventory Breadth A good supplier should carry a full range of air conditioner ducting supplies, including fittings, elbows, dampers, and sealants.

Lead Time and Delivery Timely project delivery can hinge on a supplier’s ability to meet tight timelines with consistent product availability.

Technical Support Experienced suppliers often offer engineering consultation and even CAD support to optimize duct layouts.

Industry Testimonials

“We switched to a new pre insulated ducting supplier last year, and the difference in installation time and air leakage has been significant.” – John Meredith, Senior HVAC Engineer, ThermoFlow Group

“The quality of the air conditioner ducting supplies provided helped us meet LEED certification targets. Highly recommend checking technical credentials before choosing a vendor.” – Angela Rao, Building Consultant, GreenSpace Projects

These testimonials highlight a recurring theme: performance and compliance are just as important as cost.

How Pre Insulated Ducting Supports Energy Efficiency Goals

With stricter environmental building codes emerging worldwide, air conditioner ducting supplies now play a larger role in sustainability. Pre insulated ducts help minimize energy waste, contributing to reduced HVAC loads and lower emissions.

Energy Savings Estimates:

Final Thoughts

As demand grows for smarter, greener buildings, the role of a dependable pre insulated ducting supplier becomes more vital. From certified materials and delivery capabilities to expert technical advice, the right partner can greatly impact the success of HVAC projects.

Whether you're specifying ductwork for a new build or retrofitting an older system, choosing a supplier who offers both high-quality air conditioner ducting supplies and responsive service is essential. Do the research, request certifications, and always prioritize compliance with current building codes.

[sprayappliedfoam]

The Economic Benefits of Insulating Your Commercial Building

Insulating a commercial building offers immediate and measurable economic benefits. It reduces energy consumption, decreases operational costs, increases property value, and enhances interior comfort. Whether managing an office, warehouse, or retail center, insulation directly contributes to bottom-line savings.

The primary reason commercial buildings undergo insulation upgrades is cost efficiency. Proper insulation minimizes heat exchange, helping HVAC systems operate with less strain. This reduction translates into significant savings on heating and cooling bills, equipment maintenance, and energy demand. Over time, these gains compound, making insulation a long-term investment with strong financial returns.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Reduction

The most immediate benefit of insulating a commercial building is reduced energy usage. Heating and cooling account for nearly 40% of energy consumption in commercial spaces (U.S. Energy Information Administration). Insulation cuts this consumption by limiting the transfer of heat between the interior and exterior.

Average Energy Cost Savings with Insulation

Building Type

Pre-Insulation Energy Cost (Annual Avg)

Post-Insulation Cost (Est.)

Estimated Savings %

Small Office (5,000 sq ft)

$9,000

$6,300

30%

Retail Storefront

$12,000

$8,400

30%

Warehouse (50,000 sq ft)

$48,000

$33,600

30%

Educational Facility

$75,000

$52,500

30%

This level of savings becomes especially impactful in large or multi-tenant buildings where overhead is significant. Insulation upgrades lower monthly energy bills while enhancing operational predictability.

Bonus Tip: Combine insulation upgrades with smart thermostats or energy management systems to maximize return on investment.

Long-Term Value and Occupant Experience

Insulation doesn't just affect the energy budget—it also improves long-term value and tenant satisfaction. A well-insulated building maintains more stable temperatures, improving comfort for occupants and reducing complaints about hot or cold zones.

Added Value Through Insulation

Benefit

Effect on Asset Value

Lower Operational Costs

Increases net operating income

Enhanced Indoor Air Quality

Improves tenant experience

Energy Certifications (LEED, etc.)

Attracts sustainability-focused tenants

Future-Proofing Regulations

Reduces retrofit costs later

Buildings with consistent indoor environments often command higher lease rates and experience lower tenant turnover. In addition, insulation plays a role in noise control, making commercial spaces more pleasant for employees and customers.

Technical Performance Overview

Different insulation types provide varying thermal and moisture performance. Choosing the right material depends on where it will be installed, climate zone, and desired outcomes such as moisture control or soundproofing.

Technical Comparison of Insulation Types

Material Type

R-Value per Inch

Average Lifespan

Moisture Resistance

Suitable Areas

Polyisocyanurate

6.0–6.5

30–40 years

High

Roofs, wall panels

Closed-Cell Foam

6.0–7.0

30+ years

Very High

Walls, floors, basements

Mineral Wool

3.0–3.3

50+ years

Moderate

Walls, ceilings, fire-rated zones

Fiberglass Batts

2.9–3.8

20–30 years

Low

Interior walls, attics

Understanding R-value is key. The higher the R-value per inch, the more resistant the material is to heat flow. Closed-cell foam provides both high thermal resistance and added structural rigidity, making it ideal for areas requiring durability.

Bonus Tip: Use a hybrid insulation system—such as mineral wool on exteriors with closed-cell foam on interiors—for cost-effective performance and fire protection.

Payback Period and ROI

Although insulation upgrades come with upfront costs, the return on investment is often faster than many other building improvements. Payback periods typically range from three to five years, depending on the building type, size, and local energy rates.

Insulation Payback Period Estimates

Building Type

Initial Installation Cost

Annual Savings

Estimated Payback Period

Small Office

$10,000

$2,700

3.7 years

Mid-size Retail

$18,000

$5,400

3.3 years

Distribution Center

$80,000

$24,000

3.3 years

Mixed-Use Facility

$60,000

$15,000

4.0 years

These figures don’t include potential local or federal incentives, which can reduce upfront costs and shorten payback time. Over the lifespan of the insulation, total savings often exceed 200% of the initial investment.

Things to Consider Before Making a Decision

Every commercial building is different, and insulation must be matched to specific needs and conditions. Several factors should be reviewed before selecting a material or installation method.

Pre-Decision Considerations

Climate Conditions Buildings in cold zones require higher R-values to reduce heating demand, while humid climates benefit from moisture-resistant materials.

Building Age and Structure Older buildings may need wall reinforcements or removal of outdated materials. Newer builds offer more flexibility for advanced systems.

Occupant Load and Usage High-traffic areas or facilities with special operations (e.g., data centers or refrigerated zones) need custom insulation plans.

Building Codes and Incentives Some jurisdictions mandate insulation minimums. Others offer energy rebates, tax credits, or green certification incentives.

Moisture Exposure and Ventilation Basements, roofs, and slab floors may require vapor barriers or air-sealing strategies to prevent moisture damage.

Bonus Tip: Consult a certified energy assessor to identify the most cost-effective insulation strategy based on usage patterns and regional utility rates.

Common Questions About Commercial Building Insulation

What R-value is ideal for commercial buildings?

R-values between R-13 and R-30 are common, depending on application areas. Roofs usually require the highest values.

Will insulation reduce HVAC maintenance needs?

Yes. Less system strain means fewer repairs and longer equipment lifespan, contributing to operational savings.

Is insulation effective in hot climates?

Absolutely. It helps block external heat from penetrating interior spaces, reducing cooling loads and energy usage.

Can insulation improve soundproofing?

Materials like mineral wool and foam boards reduce sound transmission, which is valuable in offices, hotels, and multi-use buildings.

Is insulation safe for all building types?

Modern insulation products meet fire safety codes and include options that resist pests, mold, and moisture.

The Economic Benefits of Insulating Your Commercial Building FAQ

Does insulation qualify for tax incentives?

Yes. Many utility companies and government programs offer tax credits, rebates, and grants for commercial energy upgrades.

What’s the average lifespan of commercial insulation?

Durable materials such as closed-cell foam and mineral wool last 30–50 years or more with minimal degradation.

How does insulation impact resale?

Well-insulated properties attract higher valuations due to lower overhead and compliance with energy standards.

Can insulation be retrofitted without major renovation?

In many cases, yes. Spray foam and blown-in systems allow retrofitting with minimal structural modification.

Is insulation a better investment than new HVAC equipment?

For many buildings, yes. It addresses the root issue of energy loss rather than compensating with oversized equipment.

Make the Right Decision

Insulating your commercial building is a practical and cost-effective strategy for cutting operating expenses, improving comfort, and boosting property value. With clear payback timelines, high ROI, and benefits that extend over decades, insulation remains one of the most efficient ways to future-proof your building.

Before proceeding, consider your region’s climate, your building’s construction, and your long-term energy goals. Compare insulation types based on thermal performance, moisture resistance, and lifespan. Prioritize solutions that meet both current and future regulatory requirements.

By taking a data-driven approach to insulation, building owners and managers can secure consistent savings and build a more resilient, comfortable, and efficient commercial space.

[archupnet]

The Impact of U.S. Elections on the Construction Industry: A Global Architectural Perspective The United States election results have always been a barometer for the direction of national and international industries. The construction industry, both in the United States and globally, is no exception. Policy changes that accompany new administrations can significantly alter the trajectory of building projects, architectural trends, and economic dynamics tied to real estate and urban development. The 2024 election, like those before it, has sent ripples across the construction sector. But how exactly do these political shifts translate into impacts on the architecture and building industries, both locally and globally? A Change in Spending Priorities Presidential administrations play a substantial role in defining federal spending priorities. The construction industry has seen drastic changes with shifts in the political landscape. During President Biden's tenure, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—a $1.2 trillion plan passed in 2021—channeled substantial funds into public infrastructure projects. These investments benefited highways, bridges, public transportation systems, and clean energy infrastructure. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) estimated that the infrastructure law generated a 7.2% growth in architecture billings in 2022 as new projects took off. However, with each election cycle, spending priorities shift. A more conservative administration might seek to reduce federal involvement in infrastructure spending, shifting the focus to private investment and potentially slowing public infrastructure projects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, federal construction spending decreased by 11% between 2016 and 2018 under the Trump administration, when infrastructure investment was deprioritized. These shifts impact not just the availability of funds but the types of projects architects work on, such as fewer public transit systems and more private-sector developments. https://archup.net/what-is-house-cladding-and-how-to-choose-the-right-material/ Green Construction and Sustainability The emphasis on green building standards also tends to ebb and flow with political leadership. Under President Biden, there was a focus on climate-conscious construction. The American Jobs Plan aimed to retrofit 2 million homes to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. This policy encouraged architects to adopt LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, which increased by 20% across projects from 2021 to 2023. However, with the possibility of a new administration that may deprioritize climate change initiatives, the momentum around green construction could slow. A less environmentally conscious administration may lead to the rollback of incentives that have helped drive sustainable architecture. For instance, the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which encouraged solar panel installations on new construction, was instrumental in pushing sustainability forward in the built environment. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the ITC has resulted in 54% growth in solar installations between 2018 and 2023. A change in government focus could stifle such growth, leading to reduced adoption of renewable energy solutions in building projects. Tariffs and Building Material Costs U.S. elections also influence international trade policies, which in turn affect construction costs. One prominent example is the imposition of tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum during the Trump administration. This policy increased the cost of raw materials by approximately 25% for steel and 10% for aluminum, according to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). These increased costs led to a 3.5% rise in construction project costs across the United States, affecting developers, builders, and architects alike. In contrast, a government that promotes free trade can lead to lower material costs and, consequently, cheaper construction projects. This can have global ramifications; as U.S. projects become more affordable, international suppliers may see increased demand. A change in U.S. leadership could thus lead to changes in global supply chains, influencing everything from the availability of high-quality materials to architectural design choices made to keep projects within budget. Interest Rates and Housing Market Volatility Elections indirectly affect the construction industry through changes in fiscal policies, such as interest rates. Housing and real estate development is highly sensitive to changes in interest rates, which are influenced by the federal government’s fiscal policy. After the 2020 elections, there was a notable change in mortgage rates, which were kept low to stimulate economic recovery amid the pandemic. According to Freddie Mac, the average mortgage interest rate dropped to a historic low of 2.65% in early 2021. These lower rates led to a boom in residential construction projects, with U.S. Census Bureau data showing an 11% increase in new housing starts in 2021. However, the outcome of the 2024 elections could lead to a shift in economic policy, resulting in interest rate hikes. Higher rates can make borrowing for construction projects more expensive, slowing growth in the residential sector and impacting the affordability of new homes. The Global Impact on Architecture The influence of U.S. elections on construction also extends internationally, given the interconnected nature of global finance and development. A shift towards protectionist policies could affect foreign investments in U.S. real estate, especially in cities like New York and Miami, where international developers have been significant contributors. According to Statista, international real estate investments in the U.S. totaled approximately $120 billion in 2022, with much of that going into high-profile urban projects. Any election-driven shift that disincentivizes foreign investment could lead to reduced activity in high-rise construction and urban architectural landmarks. Moreover, U.S. leadership in green architecture and urban planning tends to influence global standards. The Biden administration’s push for carbon-neutral construction inspired similar regulations in Canada and the European Union, with the EU Green Deal echoing many of the same sustainability targets. A political shift in the U.S. could thus dampen the momentum behind global initiatives to reduce the construction industry's carbon footprint, impacting international architectural practices. Conclusion The impact of U.S. elections on the construction and architectural industries cannot be overstated. From changes in spending priorities and green construction incentives to fluctuations in trade policies and interest rates, every election brings with it a new set of opportunities and challenges. Architects, builders, and developers must adapt their strategies to align with the current administration’s policies, which influence not only the availability of projects but also the cost, scope, and sustainability of these projects. The global architecture community watches U.S. elections closely, as the country’s policies reverberate through international markets and shape the built environment far beyond American borders. Read the full article

[esgagile]

LEED DEVELOPMENTS' VALUABLE BENEFITS AND SUSTAINABILITY

As an LEED Consultancy in Dubai, LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the premier program for environmentally friendly structures and neighborhoods. An acknowledged pioneer in environmentally friendly building and design, LEED offers numerous advantages and has replaced other industry standards. With an estimated 20% of all new construction being LEED certified—a percentage increasing annually—green building and renovation are becoming a valuable asset in real estate, mainly when an institution owns or builds the development. So, where is the source of the value? The goal of sustainability is to improve the environment on a global scale, and LEED has been instrumental in promoting sustainable building and design. Buildings with LEED certification is more energy-efficient, have better indoor environmental quality, and produce less greenhouse gas emissions. By using 25% less energy and 11% less water, these developments also prioritize water conservation and energy efficiency, ultimately extending building lifespans and improving the environment.

We as an LEED Consultancy in UAE, reducing energy and water expenses can result in savings of up to 40%, which has a favorable influence on operating costs. Even though LEED constructions have numerous advantages, sustainability eventually impacts the neighborhood. LEED projects generate excellent publicity, develop strong relationships with community members, and support a flourishing environment. To take advantage of the benefits, people are flocking to LEED developments. Tenant space and LEED communities are becoming more popular, driving up demand and rent for both. LEED-certified buildings have demonstrated a higher average rent and a lower vacancy rate (4 percent lower than non-green properties) when compared to non-green properties, demonstrating the excellent demand for LEED buildings. Not only are LEED buildings in great demand but millennial workers are also drawn to them.

In our role as LEED Certification in Dubai, the younger generation is becoming more conscious of the environment, so they are focusing on sustainability while choosing their next business move. Because of this, many companies and organizations are now exclusively renting space in LEED-certified buildings to recruit younger talent and improve their reputation. LEED-certified buildings provide cleaner indoor environmental quality, enhancing occupant health. According to a study, employee productivity and health are also improved in LEED-certified tenant spaces; workers in these areas have a labor productivity rate that is 16 percent greater than in non-green facilities. Buildings can be retrofitted with water-efficient fixtures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 80,000 tons, improving interior and outdoor air quality. It should come as no surprise that many LEED-certified buildings are in the center of Colorado, with more than 15.6 billion square feet of LEED-certified building space worldwide.

We believe as a LEED Certification in UAE; The Denver International Airport (DIA) Hotel and Transit Center is a LEED-certified building situated on the outskirts of Denver. DIA aimed to save costs and resources while promoting sustainable energy that has a beneficial effect on residents. Sustainability is quickly rising to the top of organizational objectives, as evidenced by the many LEED-certified buildings that dot the globe. DIA was keen to capitalize on this trend. Every developer wants to make a difference in the community and the environment. LEED is the global benchmark for environmentally friendly construction and is gaining recognition worldwide. Considering that sustainability is quickly rising to the top of the international options, a developer would want to obtain LEED certification. LEED is a wise choice for every kind of development, and the advantages are increasingly showing themselves.

[hewittao11-blog]

Give your mind a break from its habitual judging

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Cheap Jerseys free shipping 30. New York Knicks (5 35): What else can be said about the Knicks? They got off to their worst start in franchise history, and also set the franchise record for longest losing streak, and we haven even hit the All Star break yet. Knick fans are already looking ahead as this season drops further down the dumpster with each passing game Cheap Jerseys free shipping.

[masssaverebatesblog]

Green Jobs - Will the "Going Green" Movement Create Jobs?

In February 2009 Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), also known as the Stimulus Bill. Money has been allocated for a variety of "shovel ready" projects - anything that can get people quickly and gainfully employed. State and local governments, non-profits and even for-profit businesses are trying to find ways to get a piece of the governmental pie full of money.

The Obama administration has been moving swiftly to get the country back on track. But it's not just about curing financial ails. President Obama appears to favor a more holistic approach. The United States needs to be a good global citizen. We need to protect our planet and the environment by "going green". President Obama traveled to Copenhagen for the 2009 United Nations Climate Change COP15 Conference to state our country's case. Earlier in the year, the H.R. 2454 Cap-and-Trade Bill was born. Not only was it born, but it has passed in the House of Representatives. Now the Pelosi enhanced, more politically acceptable American Clean Energy And Security Act of 2009 is before the Senate for approval. Many believe and hope that it will pass. So, America will be joining much of the rest of the world in "Going Green".

Will Going Green Help?

The passage of a Cap-And-Trade type bill would mean we would have to become familiar with such terms as carbon footprints, retrofitting and remediation, carbon offsets, and carbon trading. Both homes and businesses will be impacted. Green certifications, energy audits and weatherization are already being required for federal housing and projects. On the one hand, the enactment of this legislation is estimated to cost $821 billion from 2010 - 2019, according to the Congressional Budget Office. On the other hand, it is estimated that this bill would increase federal revenues (a.k.a. taxes) by $846 billion from 2010 to 2019. The revenue increases are not totally good news. Individuals and families are ultimately the ones who pay the increased taxes that businesses would pass on to consumers. But if you think in terms of more people working and thus more people paying taxes, the impact to any single taxpayer may be neutral.

Despite all the stimulus money, the unemployment rate continued to climb in 2009. But, one of the immediate positives of the Cap-and-Trade Bill regulations is a new set of job opportunities. It may not be enough to offset the job losses that may occur from the additional tax burden on businesses. But any new jobs will help. Some people will have to retool and update skills. There is a shortage of people trained to do weatherization. There is a need for more people to not only learn how to do energy audits, but to be re-certified based on current standards. In this U.S. recession, any good news on the job front is encouraging. More here mass save energy audit

Below I've identified some of the groups that will benefit.

Building Trades, Engineers

Home / business energy audits Weatherization LEED certification (green building energy rating) Accounting, Finance, Auditing, Technology, Lean/Six Sigma/BPR/Environmental Consultants Tracking carbon output Waste management Carbon trading Sustainability metrics Green ROI Business / Management/ Supply Chain Consultants, Technical Writers, Business Analysts Corporate Sustainability Reports (CSR) Green Training Assessments Sustainability managers Green business case Innovators, Researchers, Technologists, Engineers, Scientists, Lean / Six Sigma/BPR Consultants Paper reduction Waste reduction Increased efficiencies Energy Savings Carbon reduction projects Biodegradable products Attorneys, Economists Legal interpretations Patents and trademarks Economic impact

[newspressx]

US LED Market Revenue Forecast 2025–2033: CAGR and Segment Leaders

US LED Market was valued at USD X.X Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD X.X Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of X.X% from 2026 to 2032. What are the potential factors driving the growth of the US LED market? The US LED market is experiencing significant growth due to rising demand for energy-efficient and long-lasting lighting solutions across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Government regulations favoring energy conservation and environmental sustainability have accelerated the transition from traditional incandescent and fluorescent lighting to LED technology. In addition, the increasing adoption of smart lighting systems integrated with IoT and automation is supporting market expansion. Falling LED prices, technological advancements in lumens per watt efficiency, and heightened consumer awareness about cost savings are also propelling growth. Urbanization, infrastructural developments, and retrofitting initiatives in cities have created a surge in demand for LED-based public lighting and smart street lighting projects. Furthermore, emphasis on green building certifications and LEED-compliant lighting design in new construction is promoting LED adoption. Consumer preference is also shifting toward customizable lighting solutions, with tunable color temperature and dimmable features, encouraging further investment and innovation in LED products. Get | Download Sample Copy with TOC, Graphs & List of Figures @ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample/?rid=141939&utm_source=PR-News&utm_medium=205 The competitive landscape of a market explains strategies incorporated by key players of the US LED Market. Key developments and shifts in management in recent years by players have been explained through company profiling. This helps readers to understand the trends that will accelerate the growth of the US LED Market. It also includes investment strategies, marketing strategies, and product development plans adopted by major players of the US LED Market. The market forecast will help readers make better investments. The report covers extensive analysis of the key market players in the market, along with their business overview, expansion plans, and strategies. The key players studied in the report include:   Acuity Brands Lighting Inc. Cree Lighting (IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC.) Dialight Digital Lumens Inc. Hubbell LSI Industries Inc. LumiGrow.   US LED Market Segmentation US LED Market, By Product Type • Lamps• Luminaires US LED Market, By End-Use • Residential• Commercial• Industrial US LED Market, By Application • Indoor• Outdoor US LED Market By Geography • North America• Europe• Asia Pacific• Latin America• Middle East and Africa The comprehensive segmental analysis offered in the report digs deep into important types and application segments of the US LED Market. It shows how leading segments are attracting growth in the US LED Market. Moreover, it includes accurate estimations of the market share, CAGR, and market size of all segments studied in the report. Get Discount On The Purchase Of This Report @ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ask-for-discount/?rid=141939&utm_source=PR-News&utm_medium=205 The regional segmentation study is one of the best offerings of the report that explains why some regions are taking the lead in the US LED Market while others are making a low contribution to the global market growth. Each regional market is comprehensively researched in the report with accurate predictions about its future growth potential, market share, market size, and market growth rate. Geographic Segment Covered in the Report:  • North America (USA and Canada) • Europe (UK, Germany, France and the rest of Europe) • Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, and the rest of the Asia Pacific region) • Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and the rest of Latin America) • Middle East and Africa (GCC and rest of the Middle East and Africa) Key questions answered in the report:  • What is the growth potential

of the US LED Market? • Which product segment will take the lion's share? • Which regional market will emerge as a pioneer in the years to come? • Which application segment will experience strong growth? • What growth opportunities might arise in the Welding industry in the years to come? • What are the most significant challenges that the US LED Market could face in the future? • Who are the leading companies on the US LED Market? • What are the main trends that are positively impacting the growth of the market? • What growth strategies are the players considering to stay in the US LED Market? For More Information or Query or Customization Before Buying, Visit @ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/us-led-market/ Detailed TOC of Global US LED Market Research Report, 2023-2030 1. Introduction of the US LED Market Overview of the Market Scope of Report Assumptions 2. Executive Summary 3. Research Methodology of Verified Market Research Data Mining Validation Primary Interviews List of Data Sources 4. US LED Market Outlook Overview Market Dynamics Drivers Restraints Opportunities Porters Five Force Model Value Chain Analysis 5. US LED Market, By Product 6. US LED Market, By Application 7. US LED Market, By Geography North America Europe Asia Pacific Rest of the World 8. US LED Market Competitive Landscape Overview Company Market Ranking Key Development Strategies 9. Company Profiles 10. Appendix About Us: Verified Market Research® Verified Market Research® is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm that has been providing advanced analytical research solutions, custom consulting and in-depth data analysis for 10+ years to individuals and companies alike that are looking for accurate, reliable and up to date research data and technical consulting. We offer insights into strategic and growth analyses, Data necessary to achieve corporate goals and help make critical revenue decisions. Our research studies help our clients make superior data-driven decisions, understand market forecast, capitalize on future opportunities and optimize efficiency by working as their partner to deliver accurate and valuable information. The industries we cover span over a large spectrum including Technology, Chemicals, Manufacturing, Energy, Food and Beverages, Automotive, Robotics, Packaging, Construction, Mining & Gas. Etc. We, at Verified Market Research, assist in understanding holistic market indicating factors and most current and future market trends. Our analysts, with their high expertise in data gathering and governance, utilize industry techniques to collate and examine data at all stages. They are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, subject expertise and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research. Having serviced over 5000+ clients, we have provided reliable market research services to more than 100 Global Fortune 500 companies such as Amazon, Dell, IBM, Shell, Exxon Mobil, General Electric, Siemens, Microsoft, Sony and Hitachi. We have co-consulted with some of the world’s leading consulting firms like McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain and Company for custom research and consulting projects for businesses worldwide. Contact us: Mr. Edwyne Fernandes Verified Market Research® US: +1 (650)-781-4080UK: +44 (753)-715-0008APAC: +61 (488)-85-9400US Toll-Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 Email: sales@verifiedmarketresearch.com Website:- https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ Top Trending Reports https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ko/product/malaysia-high-pressure-laminate-market/ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ko/product/north-latin-america-ergonomic-chair-market/ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ko/product/autonomous-mining-equipment-market/ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ko/product/ksa-and-uae-nanocellulose-market/ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ko/product/recycled-materials-for-mobility-applications-market/

[kathleenseiber]

Limited climate impact from fighting COVID-19

COVID-19 has caused people to greatly cut back on travel, thereby reducing the amount of carbon dioxide and other planet-warming gases they release into the atmosphere, but the pandemic isn’t likely to have more than a negligible effect on global warming, scientists say.

“Only about 0.01 degrees,” suggests Piers Forster, an atmospheric physicist at the University of Leeds, UK.

But, he writes in a paper in the journal Nature Climate Change, his findings also suggest that if a “green recovery” is used to rebuild the economy after the pandemic, behaviour changes learned from COVID-19 quarantine could be used as a springboard to cut global warming by as much as 50%, thereby keeping us from exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius global temperature increase targeted by scientists as a way to avoid the worst impacts of future climate change.

Forster got to wondering about the effects of COVID-19 on climate earlier this year when he and his high school daughter Harriet (now a co-author on the paper) found themselves with time on their hands. “I had a lot of work cancelled and she found exams cancelled,” he says. “So we had to think of something to do with our time.”

The first task was to figure out just how much COVID-19 lockdowns had reduced emissions.

Normally, Forster says, that would be done by looking for changes in such things as fossil fuel usage and air emissions. “But that data takes a very long time for industry and government to report. We do not normally find out until 18 months or so afterward.”

To shortcut the process, they turned to data on changes in people’s travel patterns, recently made public by Google and Apple from cell phone data. (The data, Forster says, is aggregated in ways that protect individual customers’ privacy.)

That allowed an estimate of the changes in gasoline usage, as well as emissions of 10 air pollutants. The calculation also included shifts in energy usage (such as heating, air conditioning, and electrical power) when people spend more time at home.

“We didn’t think it would work,” Forster admits. When he ran the calculations by a colleague, however, she was able to compare the results to figures being reported in news articles and other such sources, and found a surprisingly good match.

“The other thing that convinced us we were onto something is that we compared it to observations of air quality,” Forster says. “That gave us confidence that we could correlate [cell phone data] with emissions.”

A deserted Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Credit: alvarez / Getty Images

Armed with that, his team put the resulting figures into a climate model and determined the overall impact on global warming, under the assumption that current levels of COVID-19 mobility restriction would continue for a total of two years.

That was what produced the depressing discovery that even current behaviour changes aren’t enough to produce more than a blip in the overall trend of climate change.

The reason, he says, is that greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, persist a long time in the Earth’s atmosphere, and a couple of years’ dip in emissions won’t have much effect on their long-term buildup. “Although they were big changes in behaviour,” he says, “it doesn’t begin to affect the [greenhouse gas] concentrations unless you do it for a long time.”

But that’s not the end of the story. The long-term-effect depends on what we do when the pandemic finally ends.

In the aftermath of the 2008/09 financial crisis, Forster says, one of the methods used to reboot the economy was to stimulate the oil industry. “If we do that [again], we estimate that it would increase the temperature beyond what we were doing before,” he says. In other words, it would make things worse than if there were no COVID-19 slowdown.

But there are other options. “If we channelled that which went into fossil fuels last time into green investments like renewable energy, retrofitting our houses, building zero-carbon transportation systems, and putting in bicycle paths – and were to spend just 1.2% of GPD doing these green investments – we could potentially keep under the 1.5-degree target.”

And the pandemic might be just the incentive people need in order to do this. “With disaster, there is also opportunity,” he says. “I don’t think we realised before how vulnerable our society was.”

Currently, the overlooked vulnerability had to do with infectious disease. But now that we’ve realised our overall vulnerability, he says, maybe we will also realise that we aren’t immune to the consequences of climate change, either.

“The important thing to recognise,” adds Harriet Forster, “is that we’ve been given a massive opportunity to boost the economy by investing in green industries. This can make a huge difference to our climate future.”

Marc Hafstead, an economist at Resources for the Future, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, DC, agrees. “The true impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be determined by the policy response, or lack thereof, to the economic disruption caused by the pandemic,” he says.

Limited climate impact from fighting COVID-19 published first on https://triviaqaweb.weebly.com/

[qubemagazine]

New Post has been published on Qube Magazine

New Post has been published on https://www.qubeonline.co.uk/energy-efficiency-race/

Energy efficiency race

NEWS FEATURES FIRE & SECURITY SUBMISSIONS RESOURCES

By Beverly Quinn, Environmental Engineer at TÜV SÜD

Winning the building energy efficiency race

According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, buildings consume more than one-third of total end-use energy and cause a fifth of total greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, market demand is driving energy-efficient construction projects. At the same time, building price premiums, regulations and government incentives are spurring on energy-efficient and sustainable retrofits of existing properties. The perception of energy-efficient buildings as a business opportunity is growing.

To realise these benefits, building investors and developers need to integrate energy efficiency and emissions reduction in new buildings from the design phase. While building owners that want to make utility cost savings in existing properties must make them more energy efficient and consider the implementation of other sustainability criteria.

Refurbishment can be the more sustainable option when considering long-term environmental impact and the building’s whole life cycle, and it could also allow building owners to attract higher rental rates or retain existing tenants. A sustainable refurbishment process could also significantly reduce ongoing maintenance costs and limit maintenance requirements.

When it comes to office buildings, the UK’s Carbon Trust estimates that around 75 per cent of an industrial unit’s heat is lost through the building fabric. According to a report from the Building Efficiency Initiative (Driving Transformation to Energy Efficient Buildings), each $1 spent on energy efficiency avoids more than $2, on average, in energy supply investments. Such buildings also have other impacts, such as increased employee productivity and wellbeing. Indeed, the UK Green Building Council reports that office workers in high performing, green-certified buildings have a 61 per cent better cognitive function.

While government policies largely fall behind market factors in promoting energy efficiency, there are still regulatory concerns to consider in some markets. Owners of existing properties may also wish to achieve voluntary certification of energy-efficient buildings due to the rental and sale premiums now associated with such properties.

Sustainable building certifications, such as LEED and Energy Star, have been shown to result in a sale price premium of over 30 per cent and a rental premium of six per cent for existing commercial properties. In the UK, a study from the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) found that over 40 per cent of construction industry respondents recognised “return on investment” and “operational savings” as benefits of implementing BREEAM, which has been identified by the British Research Establishment as the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure and buildings.

In the case of new buildings, reducing energy requirements and operating costs is an increasingly complex task requiring a holistic design approach. This calls for not just engineering skills but a broader understanding of building design, and it is important to understand the costs and benefits of implementing energy efficiency features in any project. The cost savings of a project can vary, depending on climate and location, but the adoption of newer building energy codes is proven to yield significant long-term benefits.

The market for sustainable retrofit and renovation projects is also growing, but there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach as the energy usage of each unique building structure, alongside its systems and components, must be assessed on an individual building basis.

Taking a multi-disciplinary approach

Energy efficiency covers a wide spectrum of expertise, addressing all aspects of a building. This includes its passive design features, efficient systems and low/zero carbon technologies (LZCT). All of these elements must combine to provide an all-inclusive and complementary solution to realise reduced utility costs. As the requirements will be different for commercial, industrial and residential real estate, a high degree of technical know-how is required for both new construction and retrofitting projects.

New construction calls for expert insight into the building design, the materials used, the technical building services, equipment and components throughout the entire building lifecycle. Existing buildings also require a similar approach towards building structure and infrastructure in order to reduce the building’s specific energy consumption (SEC), including an energy audit of the current systems.

Investments in energy efficiency can be optimised through a solution that combines multiple engineering and design disciplines, such as architecture and a sustainable approach to mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) design.

One approach to consider is the implementation of an energy management system (EMS) in line with the ISO 50001 standard, which supports organisations in all sectors to use energy more efficiently. Also, to help identify areas for improvement, 3D computer modelling, and dynamic simulation modelling can be used to conduct energy efficiency and simulation studies, delivering an accurate and reliable representation of a building’s energy consumption.

For new buildings, all of this data can be used to develop realistic energy plans, incorporating variations such as different energy prices in model calculations and also take into account funding options, operating expenses and other costs. A tailored approach to sustainability should begin at the concept design phase, as planning for carbon reduction and energy efficiency at this early stage of the building lifecycle will help to reduce costs and the complexity of the final product. A screening analysis approach could also be used to help save time by eliminating options that are not suitable for the project.

To revitalise existing buildings, an energy efficiency consulting approach should focus on analysis, measurement and interpretation of all aspects of the project. An energy audit could be used to assess the status quo of the building, covering process analysis, electro-technical system and consumers, heating systems, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as the condition of the building itself. The energy supply infrastructure and the energy demand of the main consumers within the building should also be measured, taking into account factors such as heat transmission, air distribution and potential re-use of waste heat during actual production processes.

Based on the findings in such an audit, energy-saving measures can be identified, including the savings potential for each proposed measure, as well as the costs and payback period of any required investment. To aid the decision-making process, the suggested energy efficiency measures should be divided up according to whether they require ‘no capital investment’, ‘minor capital investment’ or ‘major outlay’. The catalogue of measures should also be supported by feasibility studies that take annual operating and total costs into account, helping to achieve carbon and energy reduction in a cost-efficient manner.

By integrating passive and active design elements for lighting, HVAC and other building processes, requirements for engineering services can be reduced by as much as 25 per cent, as well as reducing energy consumption and optimising efficiency in building operation. Taking a more holistic energy efficiency solution such as this enables buildings to be future-proofed against rising utility costs and any new energy performance legislation. Building owners can also meet corporate social responsibility obligations and demonstrate building efficiency through sustainability scoring systems such as BREEAM.

Several factors are driving demand for energy efficient and reduced emissions buildings, including market pressure, client expectations, operating cost reduction, social/corporate responsibilities and legislative requirements. While the correct implementation of energy efficiency measures requires a strong degree of technical know-how, the results deliver great business benefits, including utility savings through improved energy efficiency, added value to real estate assets, and the achievements of corporate social responsibility requirements for emissions reduction/carbon neutrality.

  Energy efficiency race

NEWS FEATURES FIRE & SECURITY SUBMISSIONS RESOURCES

[chocolate-brownies]

In all likelihood, the office space you occupy doesn’t quite measure up—in any way, shape, or form—to the Washington, DC, headquarters of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). After all, modern buildings routinely expose us to conditions that may compromise our well-being, sabotage our mood, squelch our creativity, and even keep our focus squarely on Friday at 5:00. By contrast, every high- and low-tech detail of ASID’s workplace has been reimagined and retrofitted to promote physical and/or mental health, the goal being to positively affect both the well-being and productivity of everyone working there. And the results of this nearly-three-year-old experiment, which may one day serve as a model for a vast assortment of cubicled wastelands, have been so striking that it’s not hard to imagine the staff of 30 collectively uttering the unthinkable: Thank goodness it’s Monday.

Among the many hallmarks of this 7,500-square-foot office is the attention paid to the quality of light. The space purposefully faces northwest, so it’s bathed in a soft ambient shimmer throughout the entire day. The interior lighting is synced to parallel the human body’s circadian rhythm, so the bright, white bulbs that supplement the morning sun gradually give way to warmer, yellow hues that help prepare for the brain’s nightly surge of melatonin, the hormone that aids in the control of daily sleep–wake cycles. Sensors affixed to window mullions calculate glare and, if necessary, automatically raise or lower the shades to regulate its intensity. 

Equally notable is the attention to biophilia—the human affinity for the natural world, which creates a positive, healing atmosphere. For example, the office is filled with desktop terrariums, window-ledge greenery, and architectural patterns that mimic the natural world—everything from curved, cloudlike ceiling details to a conference room’s rich blue carpeting, fashioned from recycled fishing nets, whose randomized purplish swirls create the sensation of gazing across a not-quite-still pond. What’s more, a prominently displayed flat-panel monitor serves as a digital canary-in-the-coal-mine, offering a real-time snapshot of ozone, carbon dioxide, and other air-quality levels aggregated from sensors scattered about the office. When any of those readings exceed acceptable levels, the HVAC system flushes the space with fresh, filtered air.

Similar attention is paid to the social interaction and self-care the space fosters. There is no assigned seating, for instance, leaving the organization’s employees—including its CEO—to decide each day which workstation, office, or conference table best suits their individual whims or collaborative needs. Sit-stand desks are purposefully angled to provide those facing each other with visual privacy (as a bonus, those angles add another biophilic element). The customer-service area, where workers field some 4,000 monthly phone calls, are designed with thicker walls and acoustic dampening to mitigate the distracting din of the classic office. A consultant analyzed the organization’s demographics to calculate the optimal room temperature—a setting that corporate America has historically configured to accommodate men. A café stocked weekly with organic fruits and vegetables awaits those in need of a healthy snack, while a comfortable out-of-the-way break room is reserved for breastfeeding, meditation, or an afternoon snooze. 

Just as significant, however, this “living laboratory” at ASID showcases the intersection of mindfulness and the modern building, which offers the promise of dramatically transforming the structures in which we live and play, study, heal, and even spend the waning days of our lives. It’s part of a growing global movement to create spaces that contribute to healthier minds and bodies—an effort spearheaded by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), a New York-based public-benefit corporation founded in 2013. By tapping an exhaustive body of evidence-based scientific and medical research, IWBI devised an elaborate template for measuring, certifying, and then monitoring a wide array of elements that may impact the physical and mental healthfulness of a building’s occupants.

The WELL Building Standard operates much like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (known familiarly by its acronym LEED), the global green-building rating system that awards points for such practices as collecting recyclables and designating parking spaces for the use of electric and hybrid vehicles. Although LEED also rewards projects for addressing the health of a building’s occupants, WELL has made that its sole focus. 

Those seeking the WELL stamp of approval are graded on their ability to comply with the requirements spelled out in dozens of features of health and comfort grouped in 10 broad categories, or “concepts.” Among those in the Nourishment concept, for instance, is the creation of spaces to encourage mindful eating; the features that comprise the Mind concept, including designating areas exclusively for meditation or contemplation, are intended to bolster cognitive and emotional health.

“A building can do more than ‘no harm,’ that it can actually enhance the way that we live.”

—Rachel Gutter, president of the International WELL Building Institute

ASID is the first organization anywhere to achieve the highest level (platinum) of both the LEED certification and the newer WELL certification, and a growing number of like-minded businesses and institutions are striving to follow suit. “Increasingly we have the understanding that we can do so much better—that a building can do more than ‘no harm,’ that it can actually enhance the way that we live,” says Rachel Gutter, president of the International WELL Building Institute. “And so this is, I think, the shift to more mindful spaces—being intentional about our design and asking ourselves, How can our buildings be caretakers of the people within?” 

A Picture of Health and Happiness 

Although we may be genetically predisposed to venture from our caves and connect with the natural world, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that, on average, Americans spend about 90% of their time behind closed doors, whether in their homes, offices, and cars, or in theaters, restaurants, and malls.

Certification requires generous policies related to promoting healthy sleep, granting ample time away from the office

For many, that means being cooped up for half of their waking hours in a workplace whose computer screens may cause headaches and eyestrain. Whose cleaning products may give rise to nausea and dizziness. Whose mold-encrusted wall interiors may provoke sleep disorders or cognitive impairment. Whose drinking fountains may dispense water tinged with unhealthy levels of lead, copper, or mercury. Whose carpeting and pressed-wood furniture may leach cancer-causing volatile organic compounds. Whose cramped, windowless cubicles may foster isolation and despair. Whose culture of presumed around-the-clock dedication to the cause may be a recipe for heart disease, divorce, and depression.

The WELL Building Standard, released publicly in October 2014 and updated in early 2018, offers solutions specifically designed to address these and other causes of ill health, particularly in the workplace. From the get-go, this person-oriented rating system was a natural—if late-in-coming—complement to the more environmentally focused LEED, unveiled in 2000 by the US Green Building Council.

“We’ve known for a long time—literally decades—that office environments can impact human health and productivity,” says Joel Makower, chairman and executive editor of GreenBiz, which has been at the forefront of chronicling the intersection of business and sustainability. “And we’ve known about the solutions, from increased air flow and daylighting to increased worker control over her work space and work style. But it’s taken this long for employers to catch on to the business benefits of healthy, or well, buildings.”

When employers finally do undergo that WELL certification process, specially trained third-party experts score their ability to meet dozens of specific, often technical, benchmarks in each of the 10 concepts of building design and performance, as well as occupant health (the maiden version of WELL included fewer such requirements across only seven major categories). These 10 concepts include good indoor air quality; policies that encourage fitness, proper nutrition, and the consumption of clean drinking water; lighting that doesn’t disrupt natural body rhythms; thermal comfort and strategies to cut down on noise; and the use of products and materials that don’t pollute or contaminate a building’s interior.

In addition, WELL Version 2 added a focus on community—a set of features that prioritizes volunteerism and other forms of civic engagement, along with organization-wide access to the likes of generous support for new parents and family caregivers.

But the greatest changes to the revamped WELL standard are found in the Mind concept, which lays out a detailed set of design and policy strategies to positively influence the cognitive and emotional well-being of those occupying a space.

For example, there is a feature that mandates training for stress management and work–life balance as a means of heading off burnout. Other features address mental health support along with affordable treatments for substance abuse and addiction. In addition, certification requires generous policies related to promoting healthy sleep, granting ample time away from the office, and integrating nature and natural elements into the office. Finally, this section of the WELL Building Standard calls for providing free or low-cost programs of mindful movement, such as yoga or tai chi classes, or devising strategies to encourage mindfulness meditation: offering an eight-week course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, for instance, or furnishing access to a quiet, calm space where a building’s occupants might join a guided meditation program.

“There’s great research behind mindfulness training and the impact it can have on stress levels and well-being and sleep,” says Emily Winer, IWBI’s mind concept lead. “It has a spillover effect—you feel a little better after you meditate, you relax and it informs your whole day. Then that continues to inform your whole life and how you interact with people. I felt strongly it should be a part of WELL Version 2. There are ways you can design a space to help people get to that frame of mind. It may help create a sense of calmness, allowing you to be more present with your mindfulness practice.”

Doing Good by Doing WELL 

The TD Bank in Bethesda, Maryland, a mile from the District of Columbia line, had its ribbon-cutting in May 2016, and two years later earned the distinction of being the world’s first retail bank location to be granted both LEED and WELL certification. Although the building doesn’t have the bowl-you-over optics of the ASID headquarters, it nevertheless offers a telling look at how structures of any sort may one day be designed to benefit both the surrounding environment and those occupying the space, be it for an eight-hour shift or just a few random minutes.

The exterior, for example, boasts a two-lane drive-through topped with solar panels that, according to the store manager, provide about 90% of the building’s electricity. Atop the bank is a living green roof of maturing sedum plants, which helps oxygenate the neighborhood. Two adjacent metal grids affixed to an exterior wall support a towering web of flowering ivy each spring and summer, which effectively releases stormwater from the roof and, as a bonus, adds an appealing counterpoint to a suburban panorama otherwise dominated by 12 stories of red and tan brick.

The drinking water is purified, the air is free of noxious building materials or cleaning supplies, the tall windows and circadian lighting systems help boost and maintain concentration.

Like the ASID space, the bank’s interior is long on elements tailored for employee well-being: The drinking water is purified, the air is free of noxious building materials or cleaning supplies, the tall windows and circadian lighting systems help boost and maintain concentration throughout the workday. In addition, vivid waist-to-ceiling murals of drooping leaf-covered tree branches splash across two adjoining walls, a welcoming nod to the physical, mental, and behavioral benefits that may be realized by contact simply with images of nature.

Plaques scattered throughout the bank provide customers with tips about optimum thermal comfort and proper hydration (a water-bottle filling station is near the teller counter); an intimate café space includes a Wellness Resources Library with background about the WELL certification process and healthy lifestyle changes. Free coffee is provided, but non-dairy creamers, typically laden with hydrogenated vegetable-based fats, have been banned from the premises. (Highly processed foods are frowned on in a feature of the WELL Nourishment concept.)

Unlike the aging TD location I usually patronize, which was acquired in a late-2007 merger, the design, details, and employee energy of this new WELL-certified operation create a noticeably more positive and welcoming experience. Interestingly, the signage, the literature, and the prominently displayed certification awards in the new bank serve as catalysts for the staff to engage customers about this undertaking to create a healthier environment—in the process raising awareness about how the community may benefit and, if history is any guide, possibly spurring others to follow suit.  

Jacquelynn Henke, Vice President of Sustainability & Innovation for TD Bank, says that that’s precisely what happened when one of TD’s locations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, became the nation’s first net-zero energy bank—i.e., the building’s 400 solar panels generated more kilowatt-hours over a year than it used, allowing the company to feed this surplus energy into the local power grid. “Within two or three years, probably four blocks away, another bank opened a net-zero energy store,” Henke says. “So sometimes all it takes is being first in that community, or very close to the first, to help set that leadership path and get others thinking about it and raising the awareness.”

At the moment, TD Bank has just one other store—in Princeton, New Jersey—that also earned its WELL stripes, meaning that some 1,300 of its locations across the eastern United States haven’t scored the certification plaque, and in many cases likely never will. But Henke says the bank is taking lessons learned from the Bethesda and Princeton stores and applying them elsewhere, so the WELL program benefits will nevertheless be spread far and wide as the building-renovations cycle unfolds over the coming years.

The WELL program’s Rachel Gutter says that’s precisely the sort of ripple effect that this certification process can create throughout an entire workforce. “You can’t offer paternity leave and better travel to your employees one building at a time,” she says. “From an equity standpoint, you have to offer them to all your employees. So while an organization might pilot WELL in one building, if they choose to adhere to those commitments over the long haul, they’re going to have to roll them out on an organization-wide scale.”

“We’re not in the business of selling registrations and certifications,” she adds. “We’re in the business of transforming the market. The beautiful thing is that when you do transform the market, everybody comes along.”

There’s No Time Like the Present

Before moving to its current headquarters, ASID partnered with Cornell University and two research firms in hopes of gauging how those WELL-certified digs would affect, among other things, the health, performance, and job satisfaction of its employees. Not surprisingly, the pre- and post-occupancy surveys revealed that the staff appreciated everything from the better air quality and acoustics of the new office (sound levels were cut in half) to the physical comfort of the ergonomically engineered workstations and the emphasis on access to nature. Moreover, the unassigned seating and open-office layout sparked more interactions and collaboration, while one-quarter of the staff attributed the office’s circadian lighting to them getting a better night’s sleep.

For its part, ASID management realized a jump in productivity and collaboration, reduced its energy bills by thousands of dollars, and anticipates dramatic cost savings going forward due to lower employee turnover. Ultimately, the organization expects to recoup its investment in this “office of the future” in the first half of its 10-year lease agreement. And as CEO Randy Fiser notes, this move to create a healthy workspace is also paying the sort of intangible dividends not quantifiable by surveys or bottom-line computations: “My position as CEO requires me to travel 70% of the time, including internationally,” he says. “After a trip, I make a point to be back in the office to reap the benefits of the circadian lighting. It helps regulate my rhythms and gets me back on the proper time zone quickly.”

These many benefits realized by those occupying WELL-certified buildings aren’t surprising, as workplace programs to promote employee health and well-being—whether via mindfulness training, the incorporation of biophilia, or technologies like those that grace ASID headquarters—have been shown to cut absenteeism, sick leave, and the costs associated with health care and disability. 

“Healthy buildings finally pencil out: They make sense financially, and in some sectors and markets may be seen as a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining employees,” says Joel Makower, of GreenBiz. (Full disclosure: He has been a friend and colleague since publication of his 1981 book, Office Hazards: How Your Job Can Make You Sick.) “It’s no longer a nice thing to do, or even just a way to lower operating costs. It’s rapidly becoming a de facto standard for landlords and companies.”

It’s not only traditional businesses, however, that are paying attention to this phenomenon. Although the first iteration of the WELL Building Standard was crafted with office buildings in mind, Version 2 is adaptable for pretty much any type of project but a single-family home, and so far interest in pursuing certification has come from warehouses, airports, resorts, restaurants, affordable-housing projects, military installations, and a YMCA. What’s more, there has been a tremendous surge in demand for WELL-inspired elder-care facilities, as aging Baby Boomers scheme to outrun the actuarial tables while simultaneously bolstering their quality of life.

Of course, complying with 112 multi-part features spread across 10 diverse concepts may require budgets beyond the means of some hoping to emulate the WELL pioneers, possibly constraining this movement’s evolution. For example, Traci Rose Rider, PhD, coordinator of North Carolina State University’s Design Initiative for Sustainability & Health, says that, by and large, public school administrators aren’t yet asking for the likes of biophilia and innovative building-related technologies. “You could say, ‘I want circadian lighting for all these kids, and we think it might work. Or we could use those funds to patch the roofs on the four buildings that need patching.’ So there is a huge funding issue, and so far the people adapting it are those that have the money and dedication to do it, often larger corporations.” Similarly, while blue-sky thinkers envision adapting WELL for such structures as prisons—which research clearly demonstrates would contribute to inmates’ psychological well-being—retrofitting a supermax to bathe cells in north-facing light and insure optimum thermal comfort is not likely on any horizon.

But in the meantime, it’s clear that a WELL-certified building can fit seamlessly into a shifting corporate culture that has begun adding to its ranks chief wellness officers and chief mindfulness officers, just as it routinely added chief sustainability officers over the past decade to monitor and improve environmental efforts.

“We believe in the triple bottom line: Shoot for the intersection of people, planet, and prosperity,” says Rachel Gutter. “If your employees are more present, if they’re more satisfied, if they’re more engaged and more productive, then everybody wins.” 

Force of Nature

Here’s one WELL-inspired strategy for feeling right at home.

Since the launch of WELL in late 2014, its healthy-building standards have been applied to more than 860 projects around the globe, some 300 of which are spread across the United States. Although most of these American projects encompass office space, others completed or are being prepared for the certification process include a retirement community in Colorado, an environmental charter school in Pennsylvania, and a pricey 15-story condo development in lower Manhattan’s historic Flatiron District.

At last count, WELL projects could be found in only 33 states, with one-third of them located in New York and California. As a result, while this emerging phenomenon shows promise of dynamic expansion, for the moment, at least, few stand to reap the rewards of a building certification process designed to enhance human health and well-being.

It’s still possible, however, to realize the benefits of WELL by applying its standards to your own living space, be it a wide-open manor house or a dinky studio apartment.

The WELL Mind concept, for example, identifies a wide array of features that play significant roles in our cognitive and emotional health, including one in particular that can be readily adapted in any home: biophilia, the human affinity for the natural world.

Interestingly, people benefit from direct contact with foliage, natural light, and other environmental elements, but also from exposure to images of the outdoors, and even to objects inspired by the shapes and patterns found in nature. Research has demonstrated, for instance, that hospital patients not only heal faster by having plants and flowers by their bedside, but also by having a window in their room with a view of trees. Similarly, prisoners confined to maximum-security cells were found to show positive behavioral changes after being allowed to watch nature videos for 40 minutes a day.

But plopping a lone Venus Flytrap on a coffee table is unlikely to tamp down blood pressure or help throttle the heebie-jeebies. “Biophilic design is not intended to be just about a plant here or a water feature there,” says Vermont-based architect and biophilic-design consultant Elizabeth Calabrese, AIA. “It’s actually about tying nature and natural systems and processes into our lives.”

To that end, Calabrese advises that we think about our living space as a little ecosystem, whether that means filling it with a variety of greenery able to thrive in the available light; or incorporating natural materials like pottery, tile, or a wood table; or relying on dappled light filtering through trellises that fill the home with patterns that change throughout the day.

In addition, you can bring nature into your living space via views of a flower-filled window box, bird feeders, or water features, which provide the added benefit of helping to drown out the sound of traffic and other noise. A porch swing or rocking chair will connect you to the outdoors, as will sheer cotton window coverings fluttering in the springtime breeze.

Every little bit helps, Calabrese says, although overloading your home with such elements can actually sabotage the goal of crafting a healthy ecosystem. “Balance is the key,” she adds. “More isn’t necessarily better.”

The post Next-Level Workspaces Are Measured in “Healthfulness” appeared first on Mindful.

[inhandnetworks-blog]

Soot’s Role in Clima WiFi  te Change Underestimated

www.inhandnetworks.com

A new comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the role of black carbon, aka soot, in the climate system found that the direct warming effect of black carbon could be about twice that of previous estimates.

Soot is the second largest man made contributor to global warming and its influence on climate has been greatly underestimated, according to the first comprehensive analysis of the problem.

The landmark study, co-led by the University of Leeds and published in the Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres, says the direct warming effect of black carbon, the term used by scientists to describe soot, could be about twice previous estimates.

Black carbon is believed to have a warming effect of about 1.1 Watts per square meter (W/m2), approximately two thirds of that of the largest man made contributor to global warming, carbon dioxide, and greater than that of methane.

The figures indicate that there may be a greater potential to curb warming by reducing soot emissions than previously thought.

Professor Piers Forster from the University of Leeds’ School of Earth and Environment, who co-led the study, said: “There are exciting opportunities to cool climate by cutting soot emissions, but it is not straightforward. Reducing emissions from diesel engines and domestic wood and coal fires is a no-brainer, as there are tandem health and climate benefits.

“If we did everything we could to reduce these emissions, we could buy ourselves up to half a degree less warming—or a couple of decades of respite,” Professor Forster said.

The 232-page report, which took four years to complete, is the first comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the role of black carbon in the climate system. Its best estimate of the direct climate influence from black carbon is about a factor of two higher than most previous work, including the estimates in the last Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment in 2007.

Co-lead author David Fahey from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said: “This study confirms and goes beyond other research that suggested black carbon has a strong warming effect on climate, just ahead of methane.” Previous studies had also indicated underestimates of some regions’ soot emissions.

Huge quantities of man made soot enter the atmosphere every year, with about 7.5 million tonnes emitted in 2000 alone. These emissions come from a variety of sources. The largest global cause is the burning of forest and savannah grasslands, but diesel engines account for about 70 per cent of emissions from Europe, North America and Latin America.

Residential fires contribute 60 to 80 per cent of Asian and African emissions and coal fires are also a significant source of soot in China, some Eastern European countries and the former USSR.

The small, dark particles that make up black carbon directly heat the atmosphere by absorbing incoming and scattered heat from the sun. They can promote the formation of clouds that can have either cooling or warming impacts. Black carbon can also fall on the surface of snow and ice, promoting warming and increasing melting by reducing light reflection.

Professor Forster said: “Mitigation is a complex issue because soot is typically emitted with other particles and gases that probably cool the climate. For instance, organic matter in the atmosphere produced by open vegetation burning likely has a cooling effect. Therefore the net effect of eliminating that source might not give us the desired cooling.”

There are some targets for reduction that scientists believe will have a clear benefit.

“One great candidate is soot from diesel engines. It may also be possible to look at wood and coal burning in some kinds of industry and in small household burners. In these cases, soot makes up a large fraction of their emissions, so removing these sources would likely cool the climate,” Professor Forster said.

Reducing black carbon emissions has a major advantage: Its effect would be seen almost immediately because black carbon’s influence is a continuous short-term process. While carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for relatively long periods, existing soot emissions are washed out of the atmos Vending Telemetry  phere in a few weeks.

However, black carbon reduction could only be part of a solution. Professor Forster said: “Soot mitigation is an immediate effect but helps for a short time only. We will always need to m transformer monitoring  itigate CO2 to achieve a long-term cooling.”

M2M wireless producdts The report finds black carbon is a significant cause of the rapid warming in the Northern Hemisphere at mid to high latitudes, including the northern United States, Canada, northern Europe and northern Asia. Its impact can also be felt further south, causing changes in rainfall patterns from the Asian Monsoon. Curbing black carbon emissions could significantly reduce regional climate change, while also having a positive impact on human health.

Co-lead author Dr Tami Bond, Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois, said: “Policy makers like the Climate and Clean Air Coalition are talking about ways to slow global warming by reducing black carbon emissions. This study shows that this is a viable option for some black carbon sources and, since black carbon is short lived, the impacts would be noticed immediately. Mitigating black carbon is good for curbing short-term climate change, but to really solve the long-term climate problem, carbon dioxide emissions must also be reduced.”

The study was commissioned by the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry Project (IGAC), an international organization aimed at fostering cooperation on research into climate change, and involved 31 of the leading international experts on soot emissions.

The full paper: T.C. Bond, S.J. Doherty, D.W. Fahey, P.M. Forster et al. “Bounding the role of black carbon in the climate system: A scientific assessment,” is published online at the Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres, a journal of the American Geophysical Union, and can be accessed at doi/10.1002/jgrd.50171/abstract.

Image: Soot from Shutterstock

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[esgagile]

Benefits of LEED-Certified Homes

We as an LEED Certification in Dubai, The LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for homes certification program aims to encourage the construction of more environmentally friendly, efficient, safe, comfortable, and high-quality indoor air-quality homes. New construction buildings are the only ones awarded LEED certification. The existing structures can apply the LEED Certification for Homes guidelines for increased cost savings and environmental advantages. Alternatively, a LEED certification program is available for retrofit interiors. LEED-certified homes are made to use safe building materials, clean indoor air, and lots of natural light. They provide other financial advantages by assisting in reducing energy and water use, which lowers monthly utility expenses.

Being an LEED Certification in UAE, LEED-certified homes are also designed, built, and operated to be resilient in severe conditions, with proactive design planning for potentially catastrophic weather impacts. Homeowners are making a net-positive difference in their communities and lives by implementing the LEED principles. Healthy and more comfortable indoor environments are achieved by designing LEED-certified homes to maximize natural light and reduce exposure to airborne pollutants and poisons. According to EPA estimates, interior air pollution exceeds outdoor air pollution by a factor of two to ten. With features like adequate ventilation and high-performance air filters, LEED-certified homes are made to reduce your exposure to indoor air pollution and maximize fresh air.

In our opinion as LEED Certification in Dubai, this lowers the chance of allergy and asthma-like symptoms for your family and guarantees better indoor air quality. Lower energy and water consumption in LEED-certified homes translates into lower utility costs. That translates to cheaper utility bills, less money spent on upkeep, and a more environmentally friendly house. LEED-certified homes with careful design can be constructed for the same price as non-green ones. Additionally, certified green homes typically sell faster and for a higher price than equivalent non-certified properties in many areas. Homes with LEED certification may also be eligible for tax benefits, reduced homeowner's insurance, and other advantages. Additionally, certified green homes are selling in many regions faster and for a higher price than comparable non-green properties.

We believe as a LEED Certification in UAE; LEED certification must be your priority if you want to go into the field of green building for your custom house development. However, people unfamiliar with the process may initially need clarification due to its numerous categories and grading systems. The goal of Energy Savers is to simplify the program. Certification by LEED is one of the best indicators that your house is "green." It indicates that your house has exceptional environmental friendliness, which can improve ecological results, reduce utility costs, and improve tenant comfort and health. Homes can earn one of four LEED certification levels according to their work with green building. Examine the four LEED certification levels in more detail below to determine what must be done to get to each award level.